**EXCLUSIVE: Billy Slater Backs Jason Ryles’ ‘Long-Term Approach’ to Rebuild Eels After Ugly Shellacking**
In the wake of a humbling defeat, the Parramatta Eels are facing questions about their future, with fans and critics alike wondering how the team can recover from one of their worst performances in recent seasons. After suffering an embarrassing shellacking at the hands of a fierce rival, many were quick to point fingers, questioning whether the current squad was underperforming or if coaching changes were needed. Yet, one figure in the rugby league world has come out strongly in support of the Eels’ approach to their rebuilding process. Billy Slater, one of rugby league’s most respected voices and a former star for both Queensland and Australia, has backed Jason Ryles’ “long-term approach” to rebuilding the Parramatta Eels, suggesting that the club’s struggles should be viewed as part of a broader strategy for sustained success.
Slater, now a renowned television analyst and a voice of authority on the NRL, believes that Ryles, who took over as head coach of the Eels, is laying the groundwork for a revival that will pay off in the seasons to come. According to Slater, Ryles’ steady, measured approach to rebuilding the team is what will ultimately turn the Eels’ fortunes around, even if it means enduring some tough losses in the short term.
### Ryles’ Appointment: A New Era for the Eels
Jason Ryles’ appointment as the head coach of the Parramatta Eels came with a great deal of optimism and anticipation. Known for his impressive coaching pedigree and his work with several high-profile teams, Ryles was seen as a forward-thinking, strategic leader who could take the Eels back to the top. After an underwhelming stint under previous coaching regimes, Parramatta fans hoped Ryles would be the one to bring consistency and innovation to a club that had shown glimpses of potential but had ultimately failed to achieve sustained success.
Ryles’ philosophy of rebuilding a team from the ground up was always going to take time, but the crushing defeat to their rivals was an especially hard pill to swallow for the Eels’ faithful. The loss raised concerns about the team’s ability to bounce back and compete at the highest level, particularly given their underperformance in key areas of the game such as defence, ball control, and discipline. Yet, while the shellacking highlighted many issues within the squad, Ryles’ response has been one of resilience and calm, as he continues to focus on long-term development rather than panic-driven fixes.
### Slater’s Support for Ryles: The Importance of Patience
In a recent interview, Billy Slater took the opportunity to throw his full weight behind Jason Ryles and his long-term vision for the Eels. Slater, who has seen firsthand the challenges of rebuilding a rugby league team, was adamant that Ryles’ strategy was the right one for the Eels to follow.
“People forget that the journey to success is often not linear,” Slater said. “You don’t just turn a team around overnight, no matter how much talent you have on paper. It takes time to build culture, understanding, and consistency. Jason Ryles is the type of coach who knows this, and that’s why his approach is the right one for Parramatta.”
Slater’s comments are significant because they come from someone who is not only a legend of the game but also a coach with vast experience in dealing with the pressures of high expectations. As the coach of the Melbourne Storm, Slater himself was part of a highly successful program that built its success over many years. He knows that success in rugby league doesn’t come from an instant turnaround but from continuous growth, improvement, and long-term planning.
In backing Ryles, Slater highlighted that the Eels’ struggles shouldn’t be viewed as a failure, but rather as an integral part of a bigger process. The loss against their rivals, while embarrassing, was just one moment in a season that would ultimately be defined by the resilience and strength of the team over the course of the entire year.
“Jason is laying the foundation for the future,” Slater explained. “It’s about making sure the players understand what is expected of them, what the Eels’ culture is about, and creating a sense of pride in the jersey. That takes time, and that’s something Parramatta fans need to understand.”
### The Challenges of Rebuilding a Team
Rebuilding a team is never easy, particularly when the club has experienced both success and disappointment in recent years. For Parramatta, the past few seasons have been a mix of highs and lows, with the team making finals appearances but ultimately falling short of capturing the premiership. That sense of unfulfilled potential has been difficult for fans to stomach, as the Eels have often seemed on the cusp of greatness, only to falter when it matters most.
Ryles’ challenge is to instil a culture that blends the club’s traditional strengths with a modern, forward-thinking approach. This means addressing the team’s areas of weakness while developing new strategies that can bring success. One of the biggest hurdles for Ryles has been the lack of consistency in key moments of games, a problem that has plagued the Eels in both attack and defence. In recent years, Parramatta has often been caught out by lapses in concentration and decision-making, allowing opponents to capitalise on their mistakes.
Additionally, the Eels have been hindered by injuries to key players, and Ryles has had to navigate these challenges while still looking toward the long-term goal of rebuilding the team’s core. While the short-term losses may be painful, the hope is that these setbacks will ultimately make the team stronger and more prepared for success in the future.
“Any time you rebuild, you’re going to face some bumps along the way,” Ryles said in a post-match interview following the heavy loss. “It’s about sticking to the plan, learning from every experience, and making sure we keep moving forward.”
### The Role of Leadership: A Strong Team Culture
One of the key components of Ryles’ long-term approach is the emphasis on leadership within the team. Building a team culture that fosters accountability, hard work, and a collective sense of purpose is vital to the success of any rugby league club. In this regard, the Eels are fortunate to have several strong leaders within their ranks, including club captain Clint Gutherson and experienced forwards like Junior Paulo and Nathan Brown.
Slater commended the Eels’ leadership group for their ability to stay composed during tough times, noting that strong leadership could help turn the team’s fortunes around. “Clint Gutherson has been through some tough periods with the Eels, and he’s still leading the charge with everything he’s got. That kind of leadership is invaluable when you’re trying to rebuild.”
Ryles, too, has worked hard to ensure that his leadership group is aligned with his long-term vision. By fostering a sense of unity and accountability, he believes that the Eels can build the foundation for sustained success, even if it means enduring some difficult seasons.
### The Path Forward: Ryles’ Vision for the Eels
Looking ahead, Ryles’ vision for the Eels remains clear. His approach is built on discipline, hard work, and a commitment to developing young talent. While the Eels may not be immediate contenders for the premiership, Ryles’ strategy is about setting the team up for future success by creating a competitive, resilient squad capable of competing at the highest level over a sustained period.
Slater believes that fans need to be patient and trust in Ryles’ ability to navigate the challenges of rebuilding. “It’s not going to be easy, but with Jason at the helm, the Eels are in good hands,” he said.
For Parramatta, the road ahead may be difficult, but with the right leadership, a long-term approach, and unwavering support from the fans, the future remains bright. The key will be sticking to the plan, learning from the tough moments, and ultimately emerging as a stronger, more cohesive team in the years to come.
